ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION DURING FINLAND'S EU

UNCLAS HELSINKI 000297

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

CEQ FOR CONNAUGHTON/HANNEGAN
NSC FOR MCKIBBEN
DOE FOR SELL/HARBERT
DEPT FOR EB/ESC/IEC/ENR (LEWANDOWSKI),EUR/NB (EVANS),
EUR/ERA (SMILEY) AND OES/EGC (TALLEY)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON SENV ENRG EU PREL FI
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION DURING FINLAND'S EU
PRESIDENCY



1. (SBU) On April 4, Ambassador Ware met with Finland's
Minister of Environment Jan-Erik Enestam. Minister Enestam
reiterated his high regard for the transatlantic
relationship and said that he had invited OES A/S Claudia
McMurray to visit Finland in advance of Finland's EU
presidency, which begins in June 2006. He confirmed that
climate change would be a top priority for the Finnish
presidency, particularly in terms of reaching out to non-
Kyoto countries, including the U.S., China and India. He
underlined the importance of a broad approach to climate
change that addresses production and consumption issues.


2. (SBU) He was quick, however, to point to "Finnish
pragmatism" and readiness to look for common ground with the
U.S. outside of a Kyoto or Kyoto-like agreement. He
recognized the importance of research cooperation (such as
the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment) and the development of
new technology. He was particularly keen to find a mutual
approach to India and China energy questions. "They need to
be brought to a sustainable energy future," he said,
stressing the need for China to move away from coal-powered
energy. Of particular value, he suggested, would be
cooperation on energy efficiency. He explained that Finland
would be hosting an energy efficiency conference on
September 11-12 called "Audit 06," where they intend to
launch a global development program (World Audit Program)
that seeks to eliminate energy wastage, particularly in
India and China, through a forum allowing for exchange of
best practices. He welcomed U.S. participation (and
speakers) in this conference.


3. (SBU) Comment. In light of Finland's expressed (non-
politicized) willingness to find common ground on climate
issues, Finland's EU presidency may be a valuable
opportunity to steer the EU climate discussion in a
direction more compatible with U.S. priorities. We strongly
encourage U.S. participation in Audit 06, and feel that it
would introduce a strong and practical energy component to
the transatlantic climate dialogue. Perhaps a U.S.-EU
energy dialogue meeting immediately before or after the
conference could pay dividends. End comment.

WARE